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Tutors

Downing College has a Senior Tutor and ten Tutors, of whom seven are responsible for undergraduates and three for graduates.

Every student is assigned a Tutor, whose subject normally differs from that of their students. In most cases, students remain with the same Tutor throughout their studies.

Tutors are responsible for the general welfare of their students and represent them in many official contacts with the central administration of the University. The Tutor's role compliments that of the Director of Studies, with whom close contact is kept.

At the beginning of the year, new students are introduced to life at Downing by their Tutor. Undergraduate students are required to see their Tutor at the start and end of each Term to review academic progress and to discuss general welfare.

It is in each student's best interest to inform their Tutor as soon as any illness or difficulty occurs which is likely to affect study or examination performance. In such cases, Tutors help to deal with health or other personal problems and are in a position to assist with special needs or disabilities.

Requests to take examinations under special conditions or permission to be absent from Cambridge for extended periods can be arranged by the Tutor. Failure to keep an appointment at the beginning and end of Term may mean that a student is deemed not to have kept Term.

A Tutor's advice and experience of a wide range of topics is always readily available, including the identification of financial assistance, advice on study methods, careers, complaints and appeals or possible changes of course or intermission.

Throughout the year, Tutors also maintain social contact with students through a variety of means such as informal gatherings, events and dinners.

If there is a particular problem about which a student prefers to consult another Tutor rather than their own, the student is welcome to do so. The Senior Tutor, who has overall responsibility for tutorial matters within the College, may arrange a change of Tutor if deemed necessary.

Contact information for Tutors

Tutors are normally available to see their students in College during Full Term and are contactable at any time by email. They can be seen by appointment and such appointments should be made via email.

In an emergency contact the Tutorial and Admissions Office (01223 334811) or the Porters’ Lodge out of office hours (01223 334800).